I recently returned from Advancing Sustainable Tourism at Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites held at the request of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the remote area of Dun Huang, China, which I attended by special invitation. It was an honor to be asked to attend such an event with the leaders of global conservation organizations — UNESCO, national governments and others — at a critical time in world tourism history.
These leaders participated in constructive dialogues about key topics as managing the tourist experience and maximizing community benefits for 890 sites around the world. Hosted by UNESCO, its Sustainable Tourism Initiative provides the principles and frameworks that are being endorsed by dozens of governments, many of which were in attendance: government officials engaged in the environment & economic development from China, Australia, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and others.
I came away with a profound sense that greater partnerships and dialogues are formulating right now linking these worlds that have existed somewhat separately. It is clear that both sides can benefit greatly from interacting with each other.
In the tourism world, we know that it is of paramount importance to preserve the sites we visit, to save the tourist experience for generations to come. For the rest of the world’s people, the tourism industry provides a means to bring in the funding necessary to preserve the natural and cultural treasures that are our heritage.
In my 30-year career in tourism, I am inspired and passionate to be seen by the conservation community as a new bridge to the tourism community.
